This large three-storey tall brick and stone cathedral on Main Street in Winnipeg was constructed in two phases. The one-storey stone basement and foundation, measuring 74 feet by 90 feet, was designed by the local architectural firm of Pratt and Ross, in conjunction with Toronto-based architect Alexander Lasko, and based on designs from architects George Corbin and Alexander Powstenko. It was built between 1949 and 1952 by the construction firm of Wallace and Akins at a cost of about $138,000.
Services were held in its basement auditorium until 1960 when construction started on the two-storey superstructure. It was based on designs by Green Blankstein Russell and Associates and the work was supervised by its architect Alexander Walter “Alex” Nitchuk. The structure was built between 1960 and 1962 by the Semmler Construction Company at a cost of about $562,000.
The cathedral was completed in 1962 at a total cost of about $700,000. It features wide concrete steps 34 feet wide, glass block cut stone, and clay elements used to accent the brick exterior walls. A large central tower is approximately 135 feet high topped by a 23.11 foot tall cast aluminum cross with four smaller towers in each corner. A mosaic above the main entrance was created by artist Leo Mol.
In July 2016, the main floor was badly damaged in an apparent arson fire and its historic iconostasis was destroyed. A new one that incorporated elements from the original iconostasis was constructed. The iconography is by Vera Senchuk who supervised its restoration after many were damaged by smoke and water.
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral under construction (1961)
Source: Winnipeg Free Press, 11 May 1961, page 1.
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (1962)
Source: Winnipeg Buildings Index
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (July 2015)
Source: George Penner
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (August 2023)
Source: Jordan Makichuk
Aerial view of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (September 2024)
Source: George Penner
Interior of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (July 2015)
Source: George PennerSite Location (lat/long): N49.91874, W97.12934
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Manitoba Business: Pratt and Ross
Manitoba Business: Wallace and Akins
Manitoba Business: Green Blankstein Russell and Associates
Manitoba Business: Semmler Construction Company
Memorable Manitobans: Leo Mol (1915-2009)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Holy Trinity Russian Greek Orthodox Cathedral (643 Manitoba Avenue, Winnipeg)
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 7588/1949, City of Winnipeg Archives.
“High mass planned on cathedral site,” Winnipeg Tribune, 7 September 1949, page 5.
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 7588/1960, City of Winnipeg Archives.
“This giant cross was hoisted into position on the central coupla of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1175 Main Street, in the biggest lift of its kind-ever attempted in Winnipeg,” Winnipeg Free Press, 11 May 1961, page 1.
We thank Sterling Demchinsky, Darryl Resch, and Susan Algie (Winnipeg Architecture Foundation) for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Jordan Makichuk, Gordon Goldsborough, and George Penner.
Page revised: 14 October 2025
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